Emma and Branden’s late summer wedding at Autumn Lane Estate was filled with sunshine, vibrant florals, and their beloved dogs by their side. Held on August 26, 2023, at the picturesque Sebago Lake venue, their celebration was as joyful as it was sentimental. Captured beautifully by Natalya DeSena, their day was full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
A proposal on top of the world
Emma and Branden’s love story is rooted in adventure. After dating long-distance for a few months, they reunited over Emma’s winter break from college. During a sunset hike to the top of Stowe Pinnacle in Vermont, Branden officially asked Emma to be his girlfriend.
Years later, when Branden decided to propose, he knew he wanted another mountaintop setting. They woke up at three in the morning and drove to Acadia National Park, reaching the summit of Cadillac Mountain just in time for sunrise. Branden asked a stranger to take their picture, but instead of a photo, she took a video as he knelt down and popped the question. They celebrated with a warm breakfast and excited phone calls to friends and family.
Choosing Autumn Lane Estate for their wedding weekend
Emma had picked out Autumn Lane Estate before they were even engaged. When they unexpectedly relocated from Maine to Vermont, the venue became an even more sentimental choice, allowing them to maintain a strong connection to their home state.
They envisioned a full weekend of celebrations rather than just a single wedding day. With its location on Sebago Lake and its many onsite amenities, Autumn Lane Estate provided the perfect setting for their vision. The venue’s accommodations also made it possible for some of their out-of-state guests to stay on the property, making the experience even more special.
A garden-inspired wedding with lakefront charm
Emma and Branden wanted their wedding to feel like a relaxed garden party, allowing the natural beauty of the venue to shine. They kept decor minimal, relying on bright florals by Farmhouse Florals to enhance the setting. Their celebration was full of small details that made the day feel personal and inviting, including an incredible raw bar provided by MANE Catering, which was a hit with their guests.
Favorite moments from their late summer wedding
For Branden, the most memorable part of the day was seeing Emma walk down the aisle. Even though they had shared a first look, the moment she walked toward him to exchange vows made everything feel real.
Emma’s favorite memory was their first look on the Sebago Lake waterfront. The peaceful setting helped calm her nerves, and seeing Branden for the first time that day made her feel exactly where she was meant to be. The private vows they exchanged by the water before the ceremony made the moment even more meaningful.
Wedding planning advice from Emma and Branden
Emma and Branden recommend hiring a day-of, month-of, or full wedding planner to help streamline the process. They also suggest booking the big vendors first, especially the venue, since that decision helps everything else fall into place.
Autumn Lane Estate’s preferred vendors list was a huge help in narrowing down options, and their personal connections with vendors made the planning process much easier.
Venue : Autumn Lane Estate | Photographer : Natalya DeSena Photography | Florals : Farmhouse Florals | Catering : Mane Catering | Cake : Wild Oats Bakery | DJ : The Music Man | Wedding Planning : The Perfect Match Weddings | Hair + Makeup : River’s Edge | Dress : Grayce Bridal | Rentals : One Stop & Coastal Maine Canopies
If Emma and Branden’s late summer wedding at Autumn Lane Estate inspired you, explore the latest issue of Evergreen Weddings Magazine for more real wedding stories, expert planning advice, and wedding inspiration. Click here to purchase our latest issue.
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